The Unofficial Blogger of the Chicago Cubs in Canada

Cubs Keep It Close in Loss To Reds

The Cubs are quickly gaining the reputation as a great finishing team. Even though the team fell to the Reds last night 3-2, the Cubs never lost composure and never felt like they were out of the ball game and if it all came down to Aroldis Chapman ruining a great comeback for the club, then fellas, that’s an honour.

“If we keep giving that kind of effort all year long, I’ll be very happy,” Chicago manager Joe Maddon said.

Because you know, it’s that kind of effort that will keep the team in ball games all season. It was that amazing turn of events in the eighth inning by Welington Castillo with a two run rocket, that kept fans from leaving the park. If fortunes were reversed, then the team would have continued for a third game of a comeback in late innings.

“I can help the team win by doing little things like today and Sunday. Why not? I can still be part of the Cubs. Any time I get my chance, I’ll do my best to win the game and help my teammates.” Castillo said.

Welington Castillo is caught between a rock and a hard place. The team needs an anchor behind the plate. Lester needs David Ross, but the Cubs need the leadership that Miguel monitor can provide. If having three catchers gives the Cubs more options, then it’s a really good situation to be in.

“At the end of the day, they put some good swings on balls that were off the plate,” Arrieta said. “Their guy [Anthony DeSclafani] was tough. He pitched a really good game, stayed out of the middle of the plate, and had some good life on his fastball. From start to finish, they were solid.”

The Cubs are half game back of the Reds. It’s still too early for any kind of competition and the parades haven’t dusted off the floats. You know, those 1908 floats are really creepy looking right now.

Today is Jackie Robinson Day all around the big leagues. Travis Wood gets the start. 8:05 eastern.